This course provides an introduction to human anatomy and body systems. The laws of physics are used to explain several bodily functions including the mechanics of muscles and body movements, fluid mechanics of blood and air flow, hearing and acoustic properties of the ears, vision optics, heat and energy, acoustics, and electrical signaling. The effects of various environmental phenomena on the body are explored and include discussions on the behavior of the body in low gravity environment (e.g. in space).
The course assessment will be conducted as follows:
Final Examination
One 2-hour final written examination 60%
Coursework
One 1-hour in-course test 20%
Four graded assignments (equally weighted) 20%
Students will be expected to satisfy the examiners in both components.
At the end of the course the students should be able to:
Prescribed
Herman, I.P. (2007), Physics of the Human Body, Springer. ISBN: 978-3540296034
Highly Recommended
Cameron, J. R., Skofronick, J. G. and Grant, R. M. (1999), Physics of the Body, Medical Physics Publishing, 2nd Ed., ISBN: 978-0944838914
Davidovits, P., (2008), Physics in Biology and Medicine, 3rd Edition, Elsevier/Academic Press, ISBN: 978-0123694119
Recommended
Patton, K., and Thibodeau, G., (2009), Anthony's Textbook of Anatomy & Physiology, 19th Edition , Mosby. ISBN: 978-0323055390
Online resources:
2. Visible Body
3. Human Physiology in Space, Barbara F Lujan; Ronald J White; Howard Bartner; United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Online Edition, National government publication.